Job Description
Job DescriptionDescriptionOPENING DATE: 5/12/2025
CLOSING DATE: 5/17/2025
SERIES/GRADE: 1330 / 12
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Solar, Stellar, and Planetary Sciences
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
What are Trust Fund Positions?Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
- Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
- Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
- Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
- The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
- Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
OVERVIEWINTRODUCTION
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
SUMMARY
This is the position of Astronomer in Solar, Stellar, and Planetary Sciences Division, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), Cambridge, MA. The incumbentwill be expected to perform scholarly research and participate in making contributions to the field of physical science. This position is a transition between that of postdoctoral researchers, who are focused on training to conceive, plan and conduct highly specialized research under a supervisor’s direct guidance, to that of a fully independent researchers, who develop and maintain their own research programs.
MAJOR DUTIES 1. Conduct a program of research and scholarship in the area of solar system dynamics and small body searches under the supervision and direction of the Principal Investigator.2. Assist in the development of software and procedures of the reduction, analysis and interpretation of data as needed; or assists in the development of analytical methods and/or software to model physical processes and conditions; or assists in the development of scientific instrumentation for the collection of data, as needed. 3. Independently contribute to group efforts to design and develop substantial modifications to current techniques for the determination of orbits from observations. 4. Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which engaged, for example prepare papers for publication in scientific journals, prepare and present findings at scientific meetings, as required.5. Independently develop new lines of research in solar system dynamics, small body searches, or related areas.6. Support, as required, the development of proposals for research funding. 7. Engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of your research group, School and Institute.8. Mentor and assist, as appropriate and as directed, the research graduate students in your area of research.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTSBasic Requirements:
A. Degree: in one or a combination of astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics. The course work must have included differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy and/or physics.
OR
. Combination of education and experience -- at least 30 semester hours of courses equivalent to a major in any combination of astronomy, space science, physics, mathematics, and electronics, with required course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Additional Requirements:
A. Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree
OR. A minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 11 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as such as such as orbit fitting, numerical integration of the orbits of solar system small bodies, image processing related to search for solar system objects, and algorithm development for the linking of orbits.C. A combination of successfully completed graduate-level education and experience equivalent to the aboveKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:
● Knowledge of dynamical astronomy, dynamics, and determination of orbits, as may be evidenced by a Ph.D. degree or comparable professional experience.● Skill in the preparation of scientific reports and papers.● Ability to contribute to the publication of scientific results, particularly in the area of orbit determination of celestial bodies.● Knowledge of astronomical catalogs and databases.● Knowledge of modern computer techniques.● Skill in using telescopes and modern instrumentation for the observation of moving objects.● Ability to be self-directed, yet work in a collaborative environment
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package. Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager. Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@cfa.harvard.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures. The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. See Smithsonian EEO program information: https://www.si.edu/oeesd.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/